Well, wow! It has been quite the experience navigating the challenges our country is facing. There have been many times since stepping into the role of WSPA President this past June that I have been speechless, and for those who know me, I am not often speechless. It can be difficult to know when to stay silent, listen, and observe and when to speak up and act. These are the times in life when mindset can make or break a person and when being uncomfortable can promote personal growth. The COVID-19 pandemic and the horrific killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, have created an intense atmosphere in our country. I am learning that intensity is not always a bad thing. Over the past several months, it has provoked me into action and much needed self -reflection. Initially, I wanted to deny what my reflections were teaching me because the truth I was learning was uncomfortable. What I am learning is that I have been complacent in some critical areas of my life and work as a school psychologist. Never in my career has social injustice come into a more clear focus for me, and my heart is aching. My heart aches that I have been silent on the issues of social injustice and inequities, knowing that many students and families endure racism daily. My heart aches that last year when I learned that Wisconsin was reported to have the widest achievement gap between black and white students in the nation, I stayed silent. These truths have made it crystal clear that I no longer can stay silent or complacent for our children and families who suffer from social injustice. I am committed personally and as WSPA President to take a firm stand on this issue. I hope that you will too and that together, collectively, we will create change. WSPA has started this process by forming a Social Justice Committee, as we are committed to be an anti-racist organization and lead social justice work in our schools and communities. Our Social Justice Committee will be co-chaired by two highly qualified and passionate school psychologists, Brooke Soupenne and Angie Lucas Foley. I am grateful for their commitment to serve the school psychologists across our state to bring more awareness, resources, and movement toward social justice in Wisconsin. Keep an eye out for the Social Justice Committee's articles and resources to be posted on our website and in the WSPA Newsletters. WSPA has also endorsed the NASP Call to End Racism and Violence Against People of Color and is committed to taking action. We encourage each of you to take time and reflect on this critical issue and determine what steps you may be willing to take. While you are visiting our website, make sure to read WSPA's Response to Extended School Closure and Evaluation Timelines due to COVID-19. We address many topics in this paper, including the ethical and legal considerations for virtual evaluations. WSPA is grateful for NASP's and DPI's prompt responses during these challenging times. WSPA will continue to work closely with both and keep our website and resources updated. Additionally, in response to COVID-19, WSPA is thrilled to announce that we will be partnering with Illinois (ISPA) to provide a two-day Virtual Conference! Updates will continue to be posted on our website. Finally, I want to acknowledge and extend a big "Thank You" for all of the time and energy the individuals on the WSPA Board devote to our profession. This past year as President-Elect, I have gained a deep respect for my colleagues who serve on the WSPA board. I admire their commitment to our field and have grown tremendously, both personally and professionally, from serving alongside them. I am grateful for all the work Rene Staskal has done as WSPA President over the past two years and look forward to continuing to soak in her knowledge and passion this year. In closing, as we navigate the start of a new, unpredictable, and unprecedented school year, I encourage all of us to practice self-care every single day. Without it, we will not be able to enjoy the adventure.
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